Data Destruction: Better Safe than Sorry

October 30, 2012

Nowadays with the rise of data theft and breaches, secure data destruction has become a growing concern for many businesses and corporations. Majority of companies use some computers and laptops to store essential and confidential information. Many of the things we do on our computers require entering our credit card information including online shopping and paying our bills. Even social networking can threaten our security. Although antivirus software protects our computers from viruses and spam, what happens to our safety when we choose to get rid of any old computers, laptops, and hard drives? Antivirus software safeguards us against hackers, but we must also be cautious of what happens to our sensitive material once we decide to dispose of our PCs. It is not enough to delete or overwrite files from our hard drives.

In most cases, files are forever stored in the hard drive until wholly wiped out and unrecoverable. That being said, businesses are encouraged to go to a reputable and professional e-waste company that specializes in secure data destruction services. West Coast Computer Recycler is one such company that provides on-site hard drive data destruction. Businesses fail to find a feasible solution to effectively destroy data which is why they should turn to professionals to handle the matter.

In many occasions, computers are carelessly disposed of without any thought of how it could affect our security and how it could impact the environment. By continuing to practice unsafe methods, you will eventually fall victim to identity theft and security breaches. So think twice when you throw away your computer. Without permanently removing data from your hard drive, you are risking your safety. If your information gets into the wrong hands, you can damage your company’s reputation. We have heard of many incidences where hackers and thieves have recovered and accessed deleted information using sophisticated data recovery programs. Not following proper data destruction methods may threaten your company’s safety as it allows thieves entry to highly confidential data. Before you dispose of computers, hard drives, and other media storage devices make sure that all data is 100% destroyed and non-recoverable. Most hard drives contain highly sensitive material including social security and credit card records which is why it is crucial that you reduce the chances that your information will be disclosed and replicated. To overcome these chances, hire an e-waste firm that is and NAID member and follows HIPAA guidelines. A part of a company’s responsibility is keeping a business’s information confidential as well as its client’s information. At West Coast Computer Recycler, we will provide you reliable data destruction service to give your company the protection it needs and the peace of mind to know that all its data risks are eliminated.